It’s not unusual for moms to experience overwhelm at home or lack a sense of stability in their daily life. When this happens, it’s usually a sign that she needs to prioritize.
Trying to keep up on cleaning, tidying up, laundry, meals…the list never seems to end, does it? And there never seems to be enough time in the day to get it all done, right?
If this is you, thinking through the details of your day, from the errands you run to the routines you implement, will provide a sense of balance in your day.
This enables you to let go of thinking about unnecessary details in order to focus on what is truly important to you.
In this post, I will share six simple steps that will help you make the most use of your time and be the most productive, without the overwhelm. I’ll also provide an example of a daily planner (that you can download for free!).
Why Prioritize Your To-Do List?
Discover how to get the most out of your time by focusing on the highest priority tasks.
The best way to ensure that you get done everything on your list is to prioritize the most important tasks and do them first.
How do you decide on the most important tasks?
Rank your daily tasks, from highest priority and most important to lowest priority and least important.
Begin with your most pressing, most urgent and most time-sensitive tasks first.
Prioritization skills come with practice
Mastering time management doesn’t come easily; it takes practice and consistency.
It may not always be clear what exactly is most important. Though some household tasks have steps, others are more general and can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Pick out the tasks that can move you forward
Ask yourself, “If I complete this task, will I be satisfied with what I have done?”
Consider the task that you would do if you could only choose one thing to do. Which task would move you closer to your goal in the allotted time?
6 Simple Steps to Prioritize Your Day
1. Make a list of important tasks
Start by making a list of everything you need to do. You can make a list that covers the entire week, and then break it down in day-by-day sections.
2. Add time-sensitive commitments
Write any appointments, due dates, deadlines or other time-sensitives tasks while observing your list. This will help you determine when you need to start working on what. Be sure to consider all the steps involved of each project or errand.
3. Choose your top 3 goals for the day
Keep in mind that your goals could be a continuation of yesterday’s goals. Then break down each of those goals into mini-goals, or steps, that make the bigger goals easier to reach.
4. Review your list
The night before, look at your list for the next day and review it. What are the tasks that you can get done, in the time you have available?
5. Create a daily planner
Schedule a time or time-block each task on your list. Begin with appointments, commitments, and high-priority tasks first. Then mini-goals next. Then list the tasks that you should do, but don’t necessarily need to do first. Then the tasks that would be nice to do, but don’t necessarily need to be done today.
6. Re-evaluate your list
Set aside tasks that are unnecessary or not pertinent to what you’re currently trying to get done. Look at how you want to spend the day and set aside tasks that don’t relate to the plans you have for your day.
Tip: It’s helpful to start on the most undesirable or difficult task first. If you first accomplish something that you don’t want to do, you’ll feel less burdened and more motivated.
You can use all of these things to set your priorities straight. Take a step back and weigh the importance of each task according to the goals you have in mind.
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to prioritizing a to-do list full of important tasks. You can begin the process by talking with other moms about how they prioritize their to-do list. You can also look at your old habits.
Consider whether your current household habits are sustainable. Do you find yourself with many incomplete tasks during the week? Do you miss appointments? These might be signs that you need to look at the big picture and re-prioritize your to-do list.
Remain Flexible When You Prioritize
There are bound to be distractions. New things pop-up, surprises occur, and important phone calls come in. Even though you planned out your day the night before, there are days when nothing goes as planned or things get pushed back.
When these unexpected turns occur, you can use your priorities to guide you towards the tasks to focus on when you do have time. If you have an impending deadline or particularly difficult task, begin with those. If you’re taking on too much, practice boundaries and avoid promising more than you can handle.
Prioritize Your Time Wisely
Carefully consider your high-priority items as you look at each day. Take advantage of your most productive hours by doing the items that need your utmost attention. Use your time wisely by knowing how things are going to go and giving care to each minute.
Tip: Use a Daily Planner to help manage your priorities and set yourself up for a successful day.
Get the Daily Planner I use, below!
If you feel plagued with overwhelm daily, I hope you will consider these tools to better manage your time and become more productive.
Is ‘prioritizing your day’ something that works well for you, or is this something you need to try? Let me know in the comments below!
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Crystal Tharp
Crystal is the owner of The Organized Home, LLC and producer of The Home Approach® program; empowering moms to create an organized home that they love, so they can thrive at home. With over ten years of combined experience working in the Professional Organizing industry and coaching industry, she combines her expertise in decluttering, organizing, and home management with her passion for helping moms to bring out the best in themselves.
While coaching moms is her God-given calling, she also loves being a mom to her young children (ages 4, 6 and 8), date nights with her husband, and family outings on the weekends. Above all, she is most passionate about following Jesus and inspiring others to do the same.
